Production of high-frequency currents.



E. WEINTRAUB.

PRODUCTION OF HIGH FREQUENCY OURRENTS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 18, 1910.

hl l l mm Patented Mar. 9, 19115.

'! SHEETS-SHEET 1.

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Witnesses; imwm to? Ev WEINTRAUB.

PRODUCTION OF HIGH FREQUENCY GURRBNTS.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 18, 1910.

Ll 31 mm Patented M1129, 1915.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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B. WEINTRAUB. v PRODUCTION 0? 51GB FREQUENCY GUBRBNTS,

APPLICATION IILED JUNE 18, 1 910.

Patented M3129, 11915.

7 SHEETS-SHEET a.

I IHI IQUM Inventor WEINTRAUB. PRODUCTION OF HIGH FREQUENCY OURRENTS.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 18, 1910.

- Patented M21119, 1915. 7 snnncrs-snnm 4.

mwhwm Fig.5.

Witnesses Inventor 9% Ezpchiel w inwaub,

v WM m w i His Attowmey. 1 l l E. WEINTRAUB. PRODUCTION OF HIGH FREQUENCY CURRENTS.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 18, 1910.

lE'atentecl Mar. 9, 11915 7 SHEETSSHEET 5.

mmwwm a V WQI intraub,

1s Atn e B. WBINTRAUB.

PRODUCTION OF HIGH FREQUENCY GURRENTS.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 18, 1910.

Patented Mar. 9, 1915.

7 SHEETS-SHEET s.

MWLWUW I Fiq. 8. I

I16 I17 lLl Wi'tnesses: W Inventor" MM Ezechiel Witraub,

His'Attorney.

E. WEINTRAUB. PRODUCTION OF HIGH FREQUENCY O URRBNTS.

7 BHEETSSHEET 7.

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JEFECHIEL WJEINTMW, 0F lLWNN, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOB T0 GENERAL ELECTRIC CUMPANY, d. CORPORATION 013 NEW YORK.

PEOD'UCJLIUN 01E HIGH-FREQUENCY CURRENTS.

To an whom it may concern: I

Be it known that l, Ezncmnn Wnnv'rnaun,

a citizen of the United States, residing at Lynn, county of Essex, State of Massachusetts, have inventedpertain new and useful Improvements in the Production of High- Frequency Currents, of which the following,

and allied arts, and it involves the use of a;

vapor arc, having inhereng" unidirectional conductivity, such as the mercury arc, in a circuit containing electrical capacity. While the pulsations produced in accordance with my invention are not limited in their application to any particular system they are of such a natureas to be especially suitable forproducing oscillations of one period 1n a work circuit in loose inductive relation with the pulsating circuit.

Some of the objects of my invention areas follows: To produce high frequency currents in a circuit having electrical capacity and connected! to a vapor electric device, which .circuit may be inductively related to a. work circuit; to produce high frequency pulsations passing through a conductor in one direction only; to provide a method ofchanging and distributing electrical energy whereby oscillatory energyjof high and low voltage and high or low frequency may be developed from a low voltage source which may be either direct or alternating. As will be pointedout hereafter the frequency of the periodic current may be readily controlled in accordance with my invention,

- j and if desired, currents of very high frequency can be produced.

It has been suggested heretofore to employ the mercury arc with a condenser connected in shuntthereto, for producing high frequency currents but the arrangements have always been such as to produce anoscillat'ory-discharge of the condenser throu 'h the arc. In accordance with my invention t e are acts as an interrupter having remarkable characteristics both with respect to the regularity and number of interruptions and the suddenness of the interruptions, which cause the condenser discharges to take place as a single impulse as will be hereinafter explained in detail.

Some of the features of my inventionare specification of Letter-a Patent.

. Patented Marta, twllht Application filed June WJMW. Qerial Ito. rotate.

the use of a side branch, or auxiliary arc, in con unction with the main arc in the vapor electric device; the eficient control be more specifically described and their operation explained in the following descript1on taken in connection with the drawings accompanying the same and forming part of this specification.

In these drawings Figure 1 is adiagrammat c representation of a vapor electric dev1ce, connected to a source of energy, and

cooled by a moving fluid, and arranged for connection to certain other elements in such a way that high frequency-pulsationsmay be established; Fig. 2 is a fragmental view of a vapor device provided with means for controlling the movement of the cathode spot; Fig. 3 shows a system wherein a vapor tube, connected across a capacity circuit, has

. a part of small diameter; Fig. 4 shows a system in which a vapor device, connected across a condenser circuit, comprises a tube adapted to run at high current densities; Fig. 5 shows a system wherein a vapor device, connected across a source of energy, is

provided with a plurality of tubes, or passages, through which the vapor arc may go;

Fig. 6 showsa system wherein a vapor device, cooperating with a condenser circuit, has an annular path through which the vapor arc is set up, and is otherwise specially constructed for the control of theperiodic currents of the system, and furthermore, is provided at the cathode with special means .for governing movement of the cathode spot; Fig. 7 is aperspective view of the plate used at the cathode in Fig. 6;. Fig. 8

illustrates a system wherein the vapor device has large anode and cathode chambers, but a small cross section throughout part of its length, and is equipped with a specially cooled anode. This vapor tube is shown as located in the path of a very cold fluid. Fig. 9 is a detail of the anode shown in Fig.

8; Fig. 10 represents a system wherein the vapor tubewhich shunts the-condenser circuit is specially constructed and equipped to control the de-ionization of the arc path through the tubeand includes a conductive body located in or near the path of the arc; Fig. 11 is an enlarged detail of the -conduc tive body shown in Fig. '10- Fig: 12 shows a modified form of de-ionizing body. 1

In the system represented diagrammatically in Fig. 1,- the 'vapor device is connected across a source of electrical energy merit is to be used for space telegraphy the winding 17 is connected respectively to the antenna 18 and ground 'wire 19. The inductive connection afforded by primary coil .15 and secondaryv coil 17 is preferably what 70 is known'in the art as a loose coupling so that when electrical pulsations are impressed upon the primary the secondar will only, a period. determined by the capacity oscillate, when properly tuned, in one period and inductanceof the antenna circuit. The

resistance 3 and a reactance coil 4 are inter-x posed between the vapor device andfthe source of energy, and an ammeter A maybe used to measure the current flowing .111 the circuit. The vapor device here'shown' comprises an' evacuated glass tube 5 having at 20 its top a hollow anode 6, which consists preferably of graphite. The cathode 7. consists of mercury, or other suitable vaporiz-" able material, and is carried at the lower end of the tube.

The main body of the: tube shown has a diameter of, say, three-1'1 f fourths of an inch, and a length of, say-,

sharpness of'the discharges occurring in the represented by line conductors 1 and 2. A5

primary circuit" is especially well adapted 'fore icitingf' a"? ffloose ly coupled circuit. Therwindiiig 17, 1and the aerial and ground wiresarefiiitended to indicate diagrammatically-a work circuit inwhichoscillatory efvfects maybe induced and utilized. Wind:

ingjltiis-efi ective to develop a high frequency e ectromotive force in winding 17,

i and winding17 may be used as a source of energy for many of the various kinds of workcircuits that have been used in conneceight to ten inches, and has its top enlarged somewhat to form a condensing chamber 8 surrounding anode 6. -The vapor device is provided with a side branch circuit comprising a small auxiliary anode 9, arranged in proximity to the cathode. Current is supplied to anode 9 by a battery 10, connected, through a resistance 11 to the cathode lead to maintain a continuous, short, side branch are between the auxiliary anode 9 and the tionwith spark gap phenomena and in con: nection 'with telegraphic and telephonic communication through space. These work 'circuits'areso well known and so varied in character that myinvention can best be disvaporizable cathode 7. In addition to the elements just described, the system comprises a circuit having switches 12 and 13, whereby it may be connected to the respective terminals of the vapor device. This circuit has electrical capacity, and inductance and may contain an ammeter I. The 5 capacity is here represented diagrammatically by a condenser 14, which may be of ordinary type and adjustable. The inductance may in some cases be as small even as that afforded by the conductors leading to and from the condenser; in other cases the winding of a transformer or induction coil may be used. For purposes of diagrammatic representation, the circuit is shown as having a reactance coil 15 (which may be omitted) and a winding 16, the latter serving to transmit energy to a work circuit,

as hereinafter set forth. It will be under-' closed by considering the work circuit of Fig. 1 as a diagrammatic representationof other work circuits, whether syntonic or 7 otherwise, damped or undamped, arranged for high frequency or low frequency, high voltage or low voltage, and whether continuous in action or intermittent. The ap- 1 plication of myinvention is, of course, not limited tospace signaling. It maybe applied to any of the various uses vto which a high frequency pulsating current is applied. The tube 5 is artificially cooled as indicated diagrammatically by the motor driven fan 20 and the arrows. The importance of coolin will be later discussed.

ith the elements grouped as above described, and with switches 12 and 13 open, arid the side branch arc playin to cathode 7, the application of a relative y low'voltage across conductors 1 and 2 will cause cur rent to pass from the source through resistance 3 and 4, and from anode 6 to cathode 7, and back to the source. If the source is a direct current source, this flow of current will be continuous. If it is alternating, the flow will be discontinuous, because of the rectifying action of the vapor device.

When the switches 12, 13 are closed, two cases can be distinguished. If the direct current flowing in the main circuit is above a certain value, which depends on the capacity of the condenser 14, and on the size of the inductances 15 and 16 while the side branch is running, it will be found that the mere closing of switches 12 and-13 will not disturb the main arc. Apparently under these conditions, the arc continues to run in 130 te a r ed thense a then tu e at the the arc path, and gives the condenseracdis-L" condenser discharges with great rapidity .lishment of current flow through ttheitube,

repeats itself with great rapidity? is connected in shunt to themercury are for a period long enough to allow the arc to aiaiaaa a circuit and on the amount of inductance ettective to impede the charging and discharging current. The current alternately charging and discharging the condenser is re normal manner, and the ,ammeter it shows no appreciable currentdn thecondenser circuit. it, ,howeyer, the vapor device is run-; ning on .1 a direct eurrent smaller than this el le ihs t es i ch a d 13 /W to distinguish it from the oscillations in the ciirrentfl'owing in the'vap ordevicmandjmay; antenna. ll have found that the changing cause the arc current to becomeapulsatingconductivity of the arc and the unidirecone. A periodiclgcurrent Willit'henbefiiidi: ,tionallcharacter of the arc path introduce cated byjarnineter' t,and can be use to;.tactorsfinfluential in controlling the action my energy to th winding 17 t {,ot theisystem and the frequency of the pul- The phenomena nvolved may beqere The unidirectional character of the conplained as tollows Whe the itche'si,l2,;gdenser discharge is mainly due to the use of and-l3 are. closed, I isdi erted from, the side branch are which is constantly mainthei vap'or .deyice v harge. condenseryld tamed atthe cathode." As the result of the hatfiinstant. is incapable otexert- .1 r 'ng ree er ele'cf ro-m t ra me- I it, the voltageu'crossthe vapor no longer. f 'With" the-arc extinguished, the

cohdenseif'tak'es' onitstulll charge'," the chargspect-to the condenser discharge; in other ing current progressively decreasing "as ithe' words, the condenser must discharge itself charge builds up. With thispro essived'e through the tube each time in a single irncrease in current, the voltage rep jacrossyjpulse. [Except for this rectifying action of resistance? and reactance t decreases and the vapor device,the discharge of the conthe voltage impressed. on the tube rises to a Jdenser would be oscillatory in character, value'at'which the eant. aa a r ag in, and would persist after the. first rush of @wing to the inherentcharacteristicsotjthe energy'hajd occurred. In the arrangement vapordevice, the voltage at Whieh the are giw'iththe sidebranch, the mercury arc may re-starts, is materially. higher than 1 that, .fbe'regarded as an interrupteryand more parwhich the are goes out. But, on 'thereestab i ticularly as an interrupter of remarkable characteristics, both with respect to the number of interruptions possible per second, and with respect to the rapidity at which interruptions occur. The side branch arc, by kee ing the cathode eXc'ted, also makes it possib e to operate the arrangement at lower lmpresed voltage and makes the restarting V I voltage a regular and definite quantity.

Expressing the phenomena inl did'erent 1 p T havetound that the magnitude of the language, it may be said that thecirouit impressed voltage and speedat which the which contains capacity and inductance and tuheis ionized and de-ionized are of importance indetermining the frequency of the pulsations and the magnitude of the powerthat can be transmitted. A concrete illustration referring to the tube in Fig. 1 -may be given here. Assume that the source of energy is direct current at 500 volts, and that resistance 3 and inductance 4 are so adjust/ed that with a condenser circuit containing 36 microfarads capacity, and very little inductance, a current of 0.3 amperes will "flow at A and a current of 0.7 amperes at T. Under these conditions, the pulsations in the capacity circuit will come with a frequency of about 3,000 per second. The main arc flowing between anode 6 and cathode 7 will be unidirectional in character. On the antenna circuit sustained oscillations will be produced.

When the main arc is running and developing a periodic current in the capacity the rapidly increasing ionizationcausedby the current increases the conductiv ty alongchargepath of such a character' that the The cycle of alternate charge and discharge tube, diver-ts electrical energy from the, are

cool, and then discharges backward into the arc path, which, however, does not re-start the arc until the potential goes higher than that at which the arc started to cool.

Whateverthe ex lanation, the ultimate result is that high requency and high potential effects are set up in the circuit connected across the mercury arc terminals and can be used as a source of power for induction coils, or in wireless telephony and-telegraphy, or Wherever a long or powerful spark, or a periodic, or pulsating discharge at high frequency is deslred.

The alternate charge and discharge of the capacity circuit as described, takes place at a rapid rate. The rate is dependent in a measure on the amount of capacity in the constant operation of the side branch, the

tee-red to hereinafter as a pulsating current source, but it also acts as a rectifier with recircuit, adecreasein the value of resistance 3, to increase the current at A, will'produce an almost proportionate increase in the pulsating current at I, and thereby will effect an increase in the energy converted into I mannerindicated above and also onthe frequency and magnitude of the pulsations obtainable in the capacity circuit .which is in shunt with the device. I have found that the speed of dc-ionization is greatly influenced by the temperature and have found that byusing a blast of air or stream of 011 vacuum, the cooling can be very eiiicient much more so than would be possible with,

for example, a carbon arc. The cooling is more effective than is possible with other forms of are also, because of the small mass of'mat-ter tobe cooled.

While I have explained the operation of the system without reference to the cooling, for the.sa-ke of simplicity, I find that the pulsations ordinarily will not be produced without artificial cooling or can be produced only for a fewseconds at a time, or at most minutes, depending on the external conditions. Especially for higher values of the current at A than given above, the deionization speed of the tube will be so altered that the current at I will drop off to substantially zero.

With a tube as shown in Fig. 1 consisting of glass with a diameter of S; of an inch and a length of 8 to 10 inches, enlarged at the top into a' condensing chamber as indicated, a blast of air delivered bya. small fan as indicated at 20 is sufficient as a cooling means to cause the apparatus to work with regularity even at values of current at A materially above that already indicated. For. many purposes, however, particularly 1n aerial signaling, a frequency much higher than 3,000 is desirable. For some aerial work, the oscillations must occur as rapidly as 100,000 times a second, and also must deliver considerable power at that frequency. To obtain higher frequency oscillations and more power, my investigations have been pushed far beyond the simple relation illustrated in Fig. 1.

Inasmuch as the natural vibratory period of the capacity circuit is inherently dependent on the amount of capacity it contains,

and on the amount of inductance in circuit with that capacity, it might be assumed that in thesystem shown in Fig. 1, the frequency ofthe pulsations could be controlled solely by changes in the reactive character of the condensed circuit. .But such is not the case.

If the condenser 14 were made very small,

and therefore capable of charging and discharging quickly, and capable of giving to will be set up. the temperature can be controlled and there- Looking at the'situation from a diiferent standpoint, it may be said that the vapor device of Fig. 1 is so sluggish in its action that it is unsuited for use with a condenser circuit having an inherent period of pulsation, shorter than-a certain fixed value.

' I have determined experimentally that whatever the size of the condenser used in the capacity circuit, it must be large enough to efiectively rob the tube of its arc'current, and must take on its charge so slowly that the increase in potential across the capacity circuit will not go up too fast for the sluggish vapor electric device. In other words the potential across. the vapor tube must not rise so rapidly as to allow the tube insufii-' cient time for its de-ionization and recovery to a condition of low conductivity. As previously indicated, the complete recovery of the tube will be accompanied by a starting voltage much higher than that at which the are went out; and if the voltage applied to the vapor tube by the charging condensergoes up too rapidly, the arc will be reestablished Without having really gone out, and the arc voltage will not attain that high value desirable in transmitting a considerable quantity of energy efficiently.

In order to produce very high frequencies, I have had recourse to various changes in the system, as hereinafter recited at length. Also certain features have been modified to increase the amount of energy that could be made available for useful work in a work circuit.

The above discussion has been directed more particularly to a system supplied with current from a direct current source, but I have ascertained that in" the system of Fig. 1, as in all the others illustrated in this application, an alternating current can be used with much the: same general effects and re-' sults as a direct current.

A transformer having any desired voltage can be connected to the line conductors and the maximum voltage available for starting the are as the condenser recharges, can be made correspondingly great. Furthermore with this arrangement the effect of any disturbance of the conditions in the arc is limited to a half period of the applied voltage, since the arc starts anew at each period. lteactance instead of resistance may be relied on to limit the main line current. A higher efficiency than that found with the direct current supply, and the assurance of uniform operation under variable conditions, inherent in the use of an alternating current source are obtained. V But an alternating current supply divides the resultant pulsations into groups, because of the suppression, or

rectification of alternate half-waves, of current. However, as the fundamental features of my invention can be made clear without particular reference to the nature of the current source, Whether alternating or direct, the description of other figures will, for the sake of brevity, contain little or no reference to an alternating current source, though, as above stated, the advantages of such a source may be material.

The theory and mode of operation as above applied to Fig. 1 is applicable also to the systems illustrated in the other figures of the drawings.

l[ have discovered that a rod projecting from the surface of the cathode has a marked effect in increasing the quantity of energy that can be transmitted andthe regularity of pulsations obtainable from a system in which a vapor electric device is connected across a source of power and in shunt with a capacity circuit.

Fig. 2 is a fragmental view of a vapor device, having a tubular envelop 21 and cathode chamber 22, of the same size and shape as those shown in Fig. '1. A rod or block 23 projects above the surface of the mercury, and serves to limit the movement of the arc seat, or cathode spot. This block may be of copper and may float on the surface of the mercury, or may be anchored to the leader-in conductor 24, as indicated. The rod is preferably grooved or roughened at its upper end, and is wet by the mercury and carries the cathode spot of the are. Not

' only does it serve to limit movement of the cathode seat or spot, but it acts to 'limit the quantity of mercury vaporized by the arc. Tt makes the tube run cooler one given are current, and it influences in some way the static conditions in the tube, freeing the tube from .many of the troublesome effects so commonly experienced with a circuit which contains reactance. This cathode rod also may have other functions contributing to an increase in the effectiveness of the vapor device as a component part of the system illustrated. The increasedregularity of oscilla tion due to the fixing of the cathode spot of a vapor electric device has a controlling effect on the frequency of the interruptions. 'lhe narrower the tube, the higher the num ber of interruptions possible, and the higher the efficiency. A decrease in cross-section of the tube increases the starting voltage. An increase in the voltage at which the pulsations'are obtainable facilitates the delivery of more power in the work circuit.

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a vapor device, cooled by a circulating fluid and having an envelop with a tubular portion 25, which has a bore of three-eighths to one-eighth of an inch, or even smaller, and a length of eight to ten inchesv This tubular portion carries at its top a considerable enlargement 26 which serves as a condensing chamber, and .incloses a hollow graphite anode 27. The tube has at its lower end an enlargement 28, serving as a cathode chamber for a cathode 29, and this has a cathode rod 30 of the type previously described, and also has a side branch are which is maintained at the cathode by an auxiliary anode 31 receiving current from a battery 32 connected to the cathode lead-wire through a resistance 33. When the line conductors 34 and 35 are connected to a source of direct current, or of alternating current, the current will flow through the noninductive resistance 36 and the inductive resistance 37 and will pass from anode 27 to cathode 29, and may be read at ammeter A, which is connected in the line conductor 35.

If the capacity circuit connected in shunt with the vapor device of 1 bore by 6" length has in circuit a condenser 38 and an I inductance 39, and'a winding 40, and has a total capacity of 0.01 microfarad and a total inductance of 0.01 michrohenry, the passage of 0.5 amperes at A will be accompanied by the passage of 3.5 amperes at T, and the pulsating periodic current in the capacity current will have a frequency of 80,000 pulsations per second and can be utilized to deliver energy to a work circuit. This work circuit may include a winding 41 in inductive relation to winding 4:0. It is shown in this case as being connected to an adjustablle spark gap having terminals 42 and 43. It is connected to an aerial 44 and a groundconductor 45. Cooling by means of air is 1nd1- cated diagrammatically by arrows. The spark gap here indicated may, of course, be used if desired with any of the modifications described. When the system is in operation it may be opened beyond striking distance for ordinary voltages and act as a sort of safety valve for excess voltages. I have dis covered that the envelop of the vapor electric device can with advantage have a very long, constricted, cylindrical portion through which the main arc is caused to ass\ Also, it may have with advantage, a arge anode chamber and a large cathode chamber. Also I have found that the cooling of the envelop with a fluid, may to advantage be forced, as by using a very powerful fan. The constricted nature of the arc path contributes toward a high operating efiiciency and a high speed of de-ionization, and the cooled envelo keeps down the vapor in the tube and he ps to eliminate whatever of sluggishness, or persistence might otherwise be present in the arc. The discussion of operation appliedto I Fig. 1 may here be a plied, also, but this system is more particu arly directed to high frequency and to high power and to high efliciency and the size and sha e of the tube and the functions of its severa parts as cooling or de-ionizing agents for the are, contribute to those ends. The specific values of current and frequency here given are of interest as showin some of the ossibilities of 80 a vapor-tube 0 very specia shape, effectively cooled.

When using a tube about in diameter,

in a system as shown in Fig. 3, with a powerful fan, a line potential of 1200 volts, a

- 85 current of 1.8 amperes direct current indicated at ammeter A, and with a capacity circuitincluding 0.25 mf. capacity and 0.5

mh. inductance, a current of 8 amperes may be found at ammeter I. The pulsations in 40 the capacity circuit may have a frequency as high as 10,000. This high frequency current passin through the primary of the loosely couple transformer produces sustained oscillations in the secondary, and the energy becomes available in that circuit for use in electric si aling.

. The principles of a constricted arc path with suitable de-ionizing agencies and a cathode spot having limited movement can be used as the meansjorattaining frequencies as high as 100,000 per second and higher,

and of such power as to be very well suited for use in emitting electro-magnetic waves for signaling. ThlS can be done at an efii- 5 ciency and amaximum output far superior to the systems heretofore proposed for this purpose.

With a tube having a bore of about and. with'a capacity of about 0.025 microfarad, and with little inductance in the condenser circuit, pulsations giving a meter reading of 5 amperes, at a frequency of 40,000 per second are obtainable when the line ammeter reads amperes. With an inductance of 0.25 microhenry added to the condenser circuit, pulsations giving a meter reading of 3.5 amperes at a frequency of about 60,000 per second are obtainable. Tubes having a diameter as low as give still .hi her frequencies. With a capacity of 0.02 7.

'length of a out 4?; inches and a bore of about inch. It is provided at its top end with an enlargement 47 fitting with a ground joint to a glass bulb 48 which constitutes a condensing chamber about the hollow graphite anode 49. This condensing chamber may have a diameter of 3 inches. At the lower end of the device, the quartz tube is enlarged at 50, and fits about a glass receptacle 51 which is about 1% inches in diameter, and contains the cathode 52 of mercury or other vaporizable material. A copper rod 53 projects above the surface of the cathode. A side branch arc can be maintained from the auxiliary anode 54, supplied with currents from a battery 55 connected to the cathode lead through a resistance 56. Shuntedacross the vapor tube is a capacity circuit illustrated as containing a condenser 57, an inductance 58, and a winding 59, acting as the primary of a loosely coupled transformer having a secondary 60. g

The general mode of operation is analogous to that of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1. *When current at 1200 volts D. C. is supplied through the line conductors 61 and 62 v way of the non-inductive resistance 63,' and inductive resistance 64, pulsations of high frequency are set up in the capacity circuit. As in the system previously described, the periodically changing current through winding 59 produces oscillations in its coiperative winding 60 and energy becomes available in the form of high frequency energy suitable for use in the aerial 65, and ground conductor 66. The quartz tube is cooled, as indicated by arrows by a strong, cold air blast. With a tube of the shape and dimensions above set forth, and a line potential of 1200 volts D. C. and with a condenser circuit having 0.01 mi. capacity and 0.01 mh. inductance, impulses of a frequency of 80,000 may be impressed on the work circuit with a current of 3% amperes 1 as measured at ammeter I and a current of .5 amperes as measured at ammeter A. An input of 600 watts from the direct current source gives an output of 456 watts periodic current, or an efliciency of about 75%. In 13 this apparatus, a rather large side branch current should be used to prevent the cathode spot from being driven off its rod by the heavy and violent pulsations. The success in the transformation of so much energy at such a high frequency is due in a measure to the rectifying action of the tube and to the ra idity of the de-ionization in the narrow tu c with its cathode rod and to its rapidly moving and cold cooling Fluid.

In Fig. 5 the vapor electric device is subdivided into two constricted tubes 67 and 68, each having a diameter of about and a length of about 0 and both communicating with the enlarged upper chamber 69 in which the hollow graphite anode 70 is located. At their lower ends, these tubes open into a horizontal chamber 71, and at one end of this is a mercury cathode 72. This cathode has a copper rod 73 projecting from its surface as in the system of Fig. 41 and is so located that the cathode vapor passes directly upward into an enlargement 74. A side branch arc is continuously maintained between the auxiliary anode 75 and the cathode 72 by means of a storage battery 76 acting through a resistance 77. With a pressure of 1200 voltsdirect current impressed on the line conductors 78 and 79,- and a main line current of 0.9 amperes flowing through the usual non-inductive resistance 80 and inductive resistance 81, a current of 5 amperes will be indicated at ammeter 1, as the current flowing through the capacity circuit connected in shunt with the tube. This circuit is diagrammatically represented as including a reactance coil 82, a condenser 83, and a winding 84 in inductive relation to a second winding 85 which forms part of a work circuit. The terminals of winding 85 are shown connected to an aerial 86 and a ground plate 87; as in other figures. Tubes of this special shape have the advantage of rapid cooling, rapid de-ionization and relatively high capacity for current, without undue heating. The are appears to the eye as runnin in both branches of the tube, though it IS probable that the are changes from one to the other alternately at a rapid rate. More than two branches can be used thus and by using enough small tubes in parallel and allowing the arc to shift from'one to another, the glass is protected from overheating even heavy currents. and efi'ective de-ionization is insured. In other particulars, the explanation applied to Fig. 1 can be applied here also. Rugged tube structure and rapid de-ionization of the vapor can be achieved by making the are run in an annular space between two cylinders. If the annular space has a width of say to 1," the ole-ionization can be accelerated by cooling the are both from the inside and the outside. The large cross section allows large currents to pass and thus renders large quantities of energy available in the work circuit.

In the system shown in Fig. 0, the vapor electric device comprises an envelop having a tubular portion 88 communicating at its upper end with the large condensing chamber 89, and communicating at its lower end with the cathode chamber 90. The graphite anode 91, which is mounted in the condensing chamber 89, is of annular shape. Projecting downward from the extreme upper end of the tube is an inner tube 93, closed at its lower end and open to the atmosphere at its upper end. A tube 94 projects nearly to the bottom of tube 93 and serves to introduce a cooling fluid. The concentric relation of tube 93'and the outer wall of the envelop establishes an annular space having a length of about 5 inches a perimeter diameter of a inch and a distance between the inner and outer walls of about inch. Through this annular space, the main arc passes from anode 91 to the mercury cathode 95. The auxiliary are, or side branch, is maintained by means of an auxiliary anode 96 supplied by current from a battery 97 connected in series with the usual resistance. Such a tube combines the advantages, among others, of large cross section of arc, etticient cooling and mechanical strength. In the construction shown, the mercury cathode is surmounted by a copper plate or disk 98, perforated by a number of small holes 99. As indicated in Fig. 7 the leadingin wire 100 may pass loosely through a hole in the plate so as to allow the same to float freely on the mercury. The mercury of the cathode wets this copper late, and the small amount of mercury he d in the tubes or perforations 99 form centers from any of which the arc may emanate. It the cathode spot is driven from one center by the violence of the pulsations, it can find another center without movin far, and even when the cathode spot is riven from oint to point, the irregularities introduce do not cause the arc to go out. By spacing the holes close together, the irregularities can be made small and the tube can be made to operate on higher currents than when a single cathode rod is used, though, in general, the cathode late has the advantages, characteristics and functions of the cathode rod as recited in connection with Fig. 2.

The operation of this tube is analogous to that of the systemsshown in other figures. Current having a frequency of 80,000 per second at 5 to 6 amperes and more can be produced in the capacity circuit, when a pressure of 1200 volts D. C. is applied by the line conductors 101 and 102 by way of the non-inductive resistance 103 and the inductive resistance 104. The capacity circuit is here illustrated, as in the other figures, by an adjustable condenser 105, an inductance 106 and a winding 107, the latter having a. loose inductive coupling with a winding 108 connected to an oscillation work circuit which is indicated diagrammatically by the aerial 109 and the ground conductor 110. A vigorous circulation of air is maintained about the tube, not only outside, as in the systems previously described, but also inside by way of the depending inner tube 93. In running these and other tubes at high periodicity, I have noticed that if the operator brings his hand near the tube, the frequency of the pulsations may change, and in some cases, the arc may even be extinguished. A large block of paper brought near the arc causing little or no effect, but a sheet of copper held in the hand has very great effect. If the copper be insulated from the hand and again approached, it has a slight effect.

A graphite anode used in a vapor device carrying current pulsations which run to a very high maximum value has the property of depositing carbon particles on the upper part of the constricted portion of the tube, and that constricted portion, right where it joins the upper bulb, may, for this reason, get very hot. A cooled copper anode does not show this effect. Also, a copper anode, if properly cooled as hereinafter described, offers material advantages as a de-ionizing agent in the upper part of the tube. Although its sphere of action as a deionizing means may not be great, its eflect on the arc path as a whole is very noticeable, and of importance.

I have discovered that by increasing the volume of the cooling blast even greater than that contemplated in the systems described above, and by using a big blower instead of a fan motor, the main line current at which the tube is capable of running can be very much increased. Also the cooling blast, which may be air, can with advantage be first passed through a refrigerating mixture. These principles and other details are illustrated in Fig. 8.

Fig. 8 shows a system arranged more particularly for the production of pulsations of moderate frequency, such as might be useful in the operation of apparatus now commonly actuated by inductlon coils. In the system shown,'the vapor electric device has an envelop with a tubular portion 111 which is 8 to 10 inches long and 3 to i of an inch in diameter and terminates at its upper end in a spherical enlargement or chamber 112 having a diameter of about 3". At the lower end of the envelop is a cathode chamber 113, in which is a mercury cathode 114 surmounted by a perforate copper block 115 of the kind shown in Fig. 7. An auxiliary anode 116 is connected with a battery 117, and resistance 118 to furnish a side branch arc to the cathode. The main anode of the vapor device is preferably of the type shown in Fig. 9 and comprises a copper or brass cup 119, butt-welded to a platinum tube 120, which is fused into the top of the glass envelop. Projecting downward into this copper anode 119 is a tube 121, whereby cooling air may be projected into the copper cup. W'ater is not suitable as the cooling medium for an anode of this kind because of the dan ger of condensing mercury vapor on the anode, thereby forming what is virtually a mercury electrode capable of operating as a cathode for reverse pulsations of current. Mercury anodes are not suitable for tubes used in this way. By using air as a cooling fluid, a large quantity of heat can be transported from the electrode without the danger of lowering the electrode below its most eflicient temperature, and without danger that the condenser will discharge backward through the vapor device. The blower 122, whereby the cooling air is circulated should be of powerful construction and may take its supply of cold air from a refrigerating machine or the like, as indicated by the tubes 123, through which a coolin fluid is circulated. The main arc is run rom a source of direct current or alternating current represented by the line conductor 124 and 125, the current passes to the anode 119 through a non-inductive resistance 126 and an inductive resistance 127. The capacity circuit, as in the other figures, is represented diagrammatically by a condenser 128, connected through an inductance 129 and a winding 130 to the terminals of the vapor device. Winding 130 may be one winding of an inductive coil of which the other winding 131 (which may have fewer or more turns) is connected to adjustable sparking terminals 132. Operating the system at 500 volts on the arc and an in-put of 0.3 amperes, the arrangement can be run continuously without difliculty, a result prectically impossible with the hammer and break interrupter. The small amount of energy needed for maintaining the device insures a high operating efliciency as compared with the ordinary hammer break interrupter. This arrangement may, of course, be used in connection with a sending circuit in the same manner as the arrangement illustrated by Fig. 1.

I have discovered that de-ionization may be influenced and in large measure controlled by the presence of a conductive body in the path of an are when the arc is used in shunt with a capacity circuit. Furthermore, I have discovered that the rapidity with which the de-ionization occurs is dependent on the conductivity of the material used for the conductive body. This gives a method and a means for controlling the frequency of the pulsations produced by the system.

Long metal tubes in contact with the are and close to "the walls of the vessel, prevent auxiliary anode M by a storage battery It].

the formation of pulsations altogether, unless the voltage is very high, but if the tubes are sufficiently short. pulsations take place,

, and the die-ionized efi'ect of the metal shows itself in the possibility of producing pulsations of exceedingly high frequency even thoughthe tube be of relatively large cross section. Graphite and silicon tubes have the, same action, also a thin coating of platinum. The edect can not be due to the change in the static field caused by the presence of the cylinder, since a metallic tube wrapped around the outside of the glass does not have the same effect.

of the are, either in thev form .of diaphragms having a hole :or in the form of little cylinders surrounding [the arc, exert the deionization- ;efiectabove referred to and are edective to-regulate the frequency of pulsations anjd the voltage at which the are restarts "aftereach igoing jout. The description of a tubeembodying conductors of this nature will'serve-as anillustrative embodiment of this fe'ature'ofmy, invention, and

energy to be derived in the form of oscillations at-thefsame "main current, and also permits an increase inithe maximum main tl lll line currentat which pulsations take place,

with a given capacity. The general eflect of "the'conductor in the arc path'seems to be to raise the' voltage necessary for the restarting of the arc. Although the size,

shape and location and also the conductivity lid of the conductive body may be varied through wide limits, the following description of tubes embodying conductors which in the one case is a cylinder, and in the other case a perforated plate, will serve to glve a general idea ofthe {Le-ionization, power of such a conductive body.

In the system shown in 'lFig. 10, the vapor device has a constricted tubular portion 134, which may have a length of six to eight inches and a bore. of, Say e-g inches. At the top, this constricted portion opens into a very large Lcondensing chamber 135 operative as a dc-ionizing agency. At the lower end the constricted tube opens into a large cathode chamber 136. The anode 137 is of the water-cooled type shown in Fig. 9, and

discussed at some length in connection with Fig. 8. The mercury cathode 138 is sur mountedby a perforate copper block 139 of I the kind shown in Fig. 7, and it performs til the functions recited in connection with the description of those figures. The side branch 4 etals placed inside the tube in the path are c be continuously maintained from the in circuit with the resistance 14:2. The source of energy may be either direct current or figure, as in the receding figures, the capac ity circuit is .in icated diagrammatically by an adjustable condenser 14%? as inductance 1A8, and a winding 149. The latter is in inductive relation to the work circuit, shown as comprising a winding 150 and an aerial 151 and ground wire 152.

Located somewhere alon the arc path of the vapor device is a conductive body 153 adapted to serve as a de-ionizing agent. This bod is shown in the enlarged detail view in. ig. 11. Under some circumstances the de-ionizing action of this conductor may be too great. If the tube 134 be very long, the de-ionizing action may be so great that even on a line voltage of 1200, the main arc will go out and stayout. Under such a condition, the condenser, though rising in volthe size of the conductive body must therefore be adjusted in accordance with the bore of the tube and in accordance with the electrical characteristics of the circuit and the result desired. vlf the conductive body he in the form of a tube of copper, one-fourth of an inch long and three-eighths of an inch outside diameter, with a one-eighth inch hole bored through it lengthwise, the tube will be All age as time passes, never quite reaches a p otentlal high enough to re-start the are.

suitable for use on moderate potentials in general character heretofore described in connection with other figures of this ap lication. l have discovered that the electrical j conjunction with capacity circuits of the conductivity .of the body governs its de-ionizing action. Tubes of silicon have less eflect than similar tubes of copper, and tubes of glass have little or no efi'ect. Shortening the length of the cylinder has the effect of decreasing the de-ionizing action. The position of the metal in the arc is of influence. To attain de-ionization with metal, but at restarting voltage somewhat lower, a single plate of metal can be placed transversely in the tube about'half way between the cathode and anode, as indicated at 154 in Fig. 12. With this arrangement, l have found that the plate aids greatly in producing de-iouization, and that the tube is thereby rendered edectivefor use on currentshigher than would be feasible otherwise.

As in the case of a cylinder, the position its action .is in a measure de endent on its distance from the anode. ll for any reason, it is desired to lessen the edect of the dislr, the desired end may be attain by of the disk seems to be of importance, and

a amperes pulsating current can be obtained with a main line current less than 0.3 am: peres. The pulsations are very regular, and may be left running continuously without undergoing any change.

In the system shown in Fig. 10, the cooling fluid may, with advantage be very cold,

. and may be either air or may be oil circuwatts at the hi lated vigorously.

The rectifying property of the mercury arc, since there is no back flow of current from the condenser, is a very powerful agent in promoting the quenching or de-ionization of the. arc. The discharge of the condensers through the arc, owing to the latters property of conveying very large currents at low voltage is much more sudden than through a gap in the air, and this is a very desirable quality.

Reference may again be made to the continuous oscillations which can be attained as above described with a vapor are operating at a frequency of 100,000 per second, and giving oscillations ofa power of about 1000 h efiiciency of transformation of 75%. s the losses in the mercury are are small, the efficiency can be pushed even higher. This result is unusual and is to be distinguished from any system giving .intermittent condenser discharges at low frequenc p What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is 1. The combination of acapacity circuit, a source of energy therefor, and a vapor electric device connected across said circuit and having inherent uni-directional conductivity at the maximum discharging potential of said capacity circuit.

2. An a paratus for producing periodically varying currents of high requency, comprising in combination a vapor electric device containing means for operating from one of the main electrodes and auxiliary arc, a capacity circuit connected directly across said device, and a source of energy connected to supply current to said capacity circuit.

3. The combination of a capacity circuit, a source of current, a evacuated envelop, said device havin conductivity, for rendering said device conductive,

device comprising an a cathode and an anode, inherent unidirectional ionizing means at the cathode;

circuit inductively related thereto,

.ously furnishing ionized vapor in sai vice and meansfor delomzmg the arc path the maximum discharging means for deionizing in part the currentcarrying path of said device between current pulsations, and connections between said electrodes and said capacity circuit.

4. In an a paratus for producing high frequency pu sations, a capacity circuit, a mercury vapor device for roducing current pulsations. therein, said device being conductive for current in one, direction and arzesting current flow in the opposite direcion.

5. In a high frequency apparatus, the combination of a work circuit, a capacity a metal vapor arc device comprising an evacuated envelop, connections between said capacity circuit and said device, means for conginubetween successive current pulsations said capacity circuit.

6. In a high frequency apparatus, a work circuit, a capacity circuit inductively related thereto, a source of energy, and mercury vapor rectifying means operatively connected across said capacity circuit to produce current pulsations in said capacity circuit, said means being deionizable between successive current pulsations.

7. In a high frequency apparatus, a work circuit, a winding inductively related to said work circuit, a condenser connected to dis charge through said winding, a vapor arc device having conductivity in one direction only connected to prevent reversedischargc from said condenser through said winding, and means for deionizing at least in part the current carrying path. of said device between successive condenser discharges.

8. In a high frequency apparatus, the combination of a capacity circuit, a device rom having inherent unidirectional conductivity ing electrical capacity and inductance, a

source of energy therefor, a mercur vapor electric device connected across sai circuit and having unidirectional conductivity at potential of said capacity, and an impedance device connected between said source and said vapor electric device.

- nation of a capacity circuit, a source of entill maniac ll, The. combination oil a work circuit, a capacity circuit inductively related there to, a source of energy for said capacity cir= cuit, a mercury vapor electric device con nected across said ca acity circuit, having unldirectlonal conductivity at the maximum dischargin potential ofsaid capacity cireing proportioned to dissipate.

cuit, and heat from the arc path at such rate that the arcwill assume a condition of low conductivity between successive discharges of the capacity circuit, andmeans for artificially cooling said device to maintain the continuity and speed of current pulsations therein.

12..lhe combination of a capacity circuit, a source of energy for said circuit, and

a vapor electric device connected across said capacit char e vice circuit and carrying energy distherefrom, said vapor electric deaving an auxiliary arc.

l3. 'llhecombination of a source otcur-.

rent, a rectify-in electric device receiving energy, from sai source and having means for supplying conductive vapor, a capacity circuit connected across said vapor electric device, and 'eriodically discharging therethrough unidirectionally, and a work. circuit inductively related to said capacity circuit.

M. In an ap aratus for producing periodic currents 0 high frequency, the combiergy therefor, and means "for conducting energy discharged from said capacity circuit, said conducting means having a continuously operative ionizing means, and being proportioned to dissipate heat at such rate that the vapor in sald path will assume a 1 condition 0 low conductivity between successive discharges of the capacity circuit.

15. The combination of a capacity circuit, a source of energy therefor, and means for discharging said capacity circuit, said means including a vapor path having concurrents of high frequency, the combination of a source of energy, a capacity circuit con-- tinuously operative means for ionizing a portion near the cathode only of said vapor path.

16. In a system for. producing periodic to regularly receive periodic unidirectional discharges from said capacity circuit, and means for circulating a non-conductive cooling duidabout said device to increase the speed at which said I discharges. may

occur.

18. In a system for producing high he quency current pulsations, the combination of a capac ty circuit, an inclosed metal vapor electric device connected across said circuit, and having unidirectional conductivity at the maximum discharge otential of said circuit, and means for externally cooling said vapor electric device to increase the speed at which said capacity circuit may periodically discharge.

19. In an ap aratus tor producing periodic currents 0 high frequency, the combinationot a capacity circuit, asource of energy therefor, and a vapor "electric device connected across said. source, said vapor electric device having a side branch and having a main arc path inclosed by an en velop proportioned to deionize the arc path at suc rate that the vapor device will assurne a condition of low conductivity be- 'tween'successive discharges of the capacity circuit; v

20. In a system torthe transformation of electrical energy, the combination of a capacity circuit, a source of energy connected to charge said circuit and a vapor electric device providing a discharge path for energy from said capacity circuit, said vapor electric device having a tubular portion portionedto deionize the arc path at such rate that the vapor device wlllassume a condition of low conductivity between successive discharges of the capacity circuit,

and means at one end thereof for maintain" ing continuous ionization.

21. In a system for transforming electrical 105 energy, the combination of a capacity circuit, a source of energy for charging said circuit, and a vapor electric device connected to receive energy discharged from said circuit, said vapor electric device having enlarged ends which are connected by a conthrough which the discharge may pass, PTO? ice stricted tube proportioned to deionize the I arc path at such rate that the vapor device will assume a-condition of low conductivity between successive discharges of the capacity circuit, said device having at its cathode end only means for maintaining "an auxiliary'arc.

22. In an apparatus for producing high frequency currents, the combination of a work circuit, a'capacity circuit inductively related thereto, a source of current connected to charge said capacity circuit, a vapor electric device connected across said capacity.

circuit, said device having a constricted tubular portion and large anode and cathode chambers at the ends thereof, and means for circulating a cooling fluid about said vapor electric device.

23. The combination of a source of energy, a capacity circuit connected across, said source, a vapor electric device connected to receive energy discharging from said capacity circuit, said vapor electric device having at the surface of its cathode a perforate body of metal.

24. In a system for the transformation of electrical energy, the combination of a work circuit, a winding inductively related thereto, a condenser in c1rcu1t with sa1d winding,

8. source of energyfor charging said condenser, and a vapor electric devlce proportioned to form a, unilateral discharge path for .said condenser,sa id vapor electric device having means for maintaining an'auxiliary'arc at the cathode. a p

25. In a system for producing periodic currents of hlg'h frequency, the combination of a capacity .circuit, a source of energy therefor, means providing a vaporlarc for the discharge of-energy from said capacity circuit, and a conductive deionizmg agent' in operative relation to said arc.

26. In a system for the vtransformation'of electrical energy, the. combination of 'a'capacity circuit, a source of energy for charging said circuit, and a vapor-electric device containing a. highly attenuated space and con nected to receive energy discharged from said capacity circuit, said vaporelectric def vice having a conductive de-ionizing body in its arc path. 27. The combination of a source of energy, a capacity circuit receiving current therefrom, and a vapor electric-device connected across said capacity circuit, said vapor electric device having an inclosing envelop and a de-ionizing body locatedtherem and having an opening through which the vapor arc may pass.

28. In quency capacity circuit,fa source of current therefor, an impedance device between said source and sald circuit, a vapor electric device connected across said circuit,-said device having a cooled anode, and a side branch, and having a'de-ionizing conductor inthe path of the arc, and means for circulating a cooling fluid about said vapor electric device.

29. In a system for producing electrical oscillations, the combination of a work circuit, a winding inductively related thereto, a condenser in circuit with said winding, asource of energy for charging said condenser, and a vapor electric device connected to receive the discharge of said condenser,

said vapor electric device having a constricted tubular portion containing a deionizing conductor and having enlarged anode and cathode chambers and means for producing an auxiliary are at the cathode.

30. In a system for the transformation of a system" for producing high f etpulsations, the combination of a electrical energy, the combination of a work c1rcu1t, a winding lnductlvely related thereto, a condenser in c1rcu1t with said winding,

.a vapor electric device connected across said condenser and said winding, said vapor electric device having an air-cooled anode and a large anode chamber and havinga constricted tubular portion with a de-ionizing conductor therein, and having an enlarged cathode chamber and means for producing an auxiliary arc therein, a source of energy for supplying current to said vapor electric device, 'an impedance between said source and said device, and means for circulating a cooling fluid about said vapor electric device.

31. An apparatus for producing periodic currents of high frequency comprising a capacity circuit, a source of, energy for charging said circuit, a cathode directly connected to oneside of said circuit, an anode d rectly connectedto theother side, and a second anode cooperating with said cathode to maintain a discharge path over which 'saidcapacity circuit'm'ay discharge.

1 32. The combination of a source of energy, a capacity circuit connected across said source, a cathode [directly connected to one side of'said capacity circuit, an anode directly connected to the other side, a second anode and means for continuously maintainin an are between. said second anode and said cathode.

33. A discharge device for a capacity circuitcomprising an evacuated envelop having a constricted tubular portion, electrodes in said envelop, and a de-ionizing conductor in said constricted portion.

a 34. A'discharge device for a capacity circuit com risin an evacuated envelop, an

'anode'an a cat ode therein, chambers about said anode and cathode respectively, a constricted tubular portion connecting said chambers, and. a conductor in said tubular portion.

35. A discharge device for capacity circuits comprising an evacuated envelop having a large anode chamber, a cathode chamber and a constricted tubular portion connecting said chambers, a hollow air-cooled: main anode for said envelop, means for continuously ionizing the lower end of said envelop to facilitate the starting of an are ing electrical capacity, said device comprisestablished, and means withinsaid envelop for eliecti'ng rapid de-ionization of the pat of said arc, whereby the voltage at which successive dischargemay start is maintained substantially invariable.

38. The combination with a condenser, of a device'having a discharge path for said condenser, said device having ionizing means for one part of said path and de-ionizing means in another part thereof. 5

39. A discharge device for a condenser,

said device having an envelop affording a constricted path for current, and having means for maintaining a continuously operating are at one end of said path, said device also having de-ionizing means in another part thereof.

40. The method of producing intermittent currents in a capacity circuit which consists in charging and periodically discharging said circuit through a vapor electric device having inherent unilateral conductivity at the maximum potential of said discharge.

41. The method of producing periodic currents in a capacitycircuit which consists in periodically dischargingsaid circuit through a vapor electric device, maintaining continuous ionization in a portion of said device, and controllingthe character of said currents by limiting the movements of the cathode spot of said vapor device. I

42. The method ofrproducing periodic currents in a capacity circuit which consists in periodically discharging said circuit through a vapor electric device which has ionizing means continuously operative, and controlling the character of said periodic current by controlling the temperature of said electric device. r

43. The method of controlling the character of periodic currents produced in a ca-' pacity circuit connected to a source of" encrazy and shunted by a vapor arc, which consists in confiningsaid arc to a constricted path and cooling said are by circulating a cooling fluid about said constricted path.

44. The method of controlling the character of periodic currents produced in a capacity circuit connected to a source of energy and shunted by a vapor electric device having an anode and a cathode, which method consists in discharging said capacity circuit at a single impulse between said anode and said cathode. maintaining continuous ionization in the neighborhood of said cathode. and effecting rapid de-ionization in the nei hborhood of said anode.

45. The method of controlling the action of a capacity circuit shunted by a. vapor.

electric device having an anode, .a cathode and an envelop with a constricted tubular portion, whlch niethodconsists in maintainml at ing ionization near said cathode, and edecting rapid de-ionization at other parts of said the walls thereof;

46. The method of increasing the speed at which a capacity circuit can discharge through a vapor electric device which has an evacuated envelop, an anode and a cathode, said method consisting in maintaining ionization near the cathode of said device, and confining the How of current from said anode to said cathode within a narrow path.

47. The method of producing periodic currents in a capacity circuit connected to a source of energy and shunted by a vapor electric device whichhas an anode and a cathode, said method consisting in maintaining continuous ionization in the neighborhood of said cathode, and effecting rapid deionization in the neighborhood of said anode .by cooling said anode with a circulating fluid, whereby the capacity circuit dis charges by separate impulsesin one direction only.

currents in a capacity circuit connected to a source of energy and shunted by a vapor electric device which has an anode and a cathode. said method consisting in periodically charging said capacity circuit from said source, discharging said circuit through said vapor electric device. maintaining continuous ionization near the cathode of said device, circulating a cooling fluid in contact with said anode, and effecting speedy deionization of a portion of the arc path by circulating a cool fluid about a constricted portion of the vapor device wherein the arc passes in contact with a conductive body.

50. The method of transforming energy in a system having a capacity circuit shunted by a vapor electric device, which consists in maintaining continuous ionization at the cathode in said device, discharging said capacity circuit therethrough, and applying the pulsations thus produced to initiate oscillations in a work circuit cooperatively related to said capacity circuit.

51. The method of distributing electrical energy, which consists in supplying current, to a capacity circuit, periodically diverting energy from said circuit through an electric discharge device having inherent unidirectional conductivity, and having a con-, tinuously operative ionizing means, deion- 

